Scalpers have apparently gained access to the online reservation for tickets to Brit-Irish boy band One Direction’s two-night concerts on March 21 and 22, 2015, at the SM Mall of Asia open grounds.

 

“One of them called me to say he has reservation codes to 10 VIP tickets,” a source told us, adding that the scalper was asking him to advance money to pay for the tickets (P17,950 each), which will be sold for a higher price. The scalper offered to split the profits with him.

 

Another source, a music industry insider, said that there are still lots of tickets for the first night; he proceeded to show us a text message from the SM Ticket office, indicating the reservation codes for 10 Diamond section tickets (P14,800 each).

The bottom line is, it pays to have connections.

 

Incidentally, the music industry insider revealed that One Direction’s Manila shows were originally scheduled for two nights, after all. “The local promoters actually made a bid for two shows,” he said.

 

This was confirmed by another source, who is also a concert promoter. The two shows, he said, are worth more than $3 million (over P129 million). Wow, that’s a hell lot of money.

 

But the local promoters did not have to scrounge for that kind of cash, because the real financier is said to be one of the richest men in the country.

 

The deal, he added, has a clause: One Direction has a share of ticket sales after the break-even point.

 

Reasonable prices

 

There were three places we visited last week that gave us a satisfying night out without costing too much:

 

Flavors at Araneta is the open-air food and drinks plaza that Judy Araneta-Roxas set up at the parking lot of Smart Araneta Coliseum beside Gateway Mall. The place, which attracts the working class, sells San Miguel Light and Pale Pilsen for P40, and large-size grilled squid (with rice) for P125.

 

We were there last June 3, which happened to be its first anniversary; a gigantic Pale Pilsen inflatable balloon persuaded us to have a few bottles.

 

Singer Vince Alaras of South Border (SB) performed James Ingram, Eagles and Stevie Wonder covers, as well as SB originals, with an acoustic guitarist and drummer as backup.

 

Chivz Lounge Bar (G-Strip, Greenhills Shopping Center; tel. 7268449) is one of the relatively new drinking places at the parking lot fronting the old Shoppesville in Greenhills. The first time we visited last year, we chanced upon a live acoustic set featuring guitarist Buboy Manalo with singer Suy Galvez and a keyboardist.

 

On our second time last May 29, Buboy was playing again, this time with vocalist Brennan Espartinez and keyboardist Ryan Girado. We joined the group of Janice de Belen who was hanging out with three of her children and some friends. Janice went up onstage to jam a few songs including Up Dharma Down’s “Tadhana.” The verdict: She could carry a tune quite well, and, take note, without the need for lyric sheets.

 

Her son Yuan and daughter Yna went on to jam as well.

 

Larry’s Café & Bar (G/F Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; tel. 8560527) is one of the few places near the BGC High Street area that’s open till midnight Sundays to Thursdays, and till 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

 

Its laid-back European ambiance is conducive to pleasant conversation with friends over light meals and drinks. We had Greek Salad (P195), Fish and Chips (P315), and SMB Pale (P79).

 

North Park Makati Ave.

 

Our piece last week on where night owls could go to after midnight in Quezon City made us remember North Park, which has been serving good Chinoy comfort food for a good number of years. We always go to its Makati Avenue branch whenever we’re famished after late hours office work.

 

Last June 5 we were back again to savor our usual order, Salted Garlic Squid and SMB.

 

Janis Siegel in Manila

 

Remember the jazz vocal group Manhattan Transfer? One of its female members, Janis Siegel, is performing on June 23, 8 p.m. at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resort & Casino.

 

She will be backed by top Filipino session musicians. Guests include The CompanY, Richard Merk and Emcy Corteza. It should be one fine gig.

 

Call 0905-9286614 or 5518779.